In Memoriam
The heart of General Hospital would never beat quite as strongly in the wake of Leslie Charleson’s death at age 79 on January 12, 2025. The daytime drama’s longest-tenured cast member had played Dr. Monica Quartermaine since 1977 and, over the years, had established herself not only as an acting force to be reckoned with but a beloved friend and colleague. Here, her castmates pay tribute to the estimable actress.
Sean Kanan (Deacon, Bold & Beautiful)
“I just learned that Leslie Charleson has passed,” said the actor, formerly A.J. on General Hospital. “We played mother and son off and on for years. My deepest condolences to her family. May you rest in peace, Lester.
Finola Hughes (Anna, General Hospital)
“Dear Leslie,” began the Emmy winner’s Instagram post. “I’m going to need a minute, and I’ll write something about this lovely, funny, clever woman. But right now, dear Leslie, R.I.P. We love you.”
John J. York (Mac, General Hospital)
“Leslie Charleson and Stuart Damon [as] Alan and Monica [were] the reason I fell in love with General Hospital when I was in college. Thank you for talent, your humor, your friendship! Love you both very much.” (Damon passed away in 2021.)
Rena Sofer (Lois, General Hospital)
“I was so fortunate that I had one more scene with Leslie when I came back to General Hospital. My memories of [the show] have her fingerprints all over me. I loved her. She will be so greatly missed.”
Obrecht, General Hospital)
Charleson, in her castmate’s estimation, was “one of the kindest and sweetest colleagues I’ve had the honor to work with. May she rest in peace and know how deeply she was loved and appreciated by all. Deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and fans.”
Laura Wright (Carly, General Hospital)
The Emmy winner responded to the news of Charleson’s passing with a broken-heart emoji. Some real-life twists are just too crushing for words.
Ron Carlivati (Former headwriter, General Hospital)
Like so many of us, the scribe, who recently wrapped his stint at Days of Our Lives, shared that “I grew up on Monica Quartermaine.” Her sharp tongue was unmatched — except maybe by Tracy’s. Valentini (Executive producer, General Hospital)“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson. Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone, and just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaine family, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew. I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit and incredible presence on set. On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time.”
